Senior Director, Enterprise Transformation - Acceleration Office

About the role
Northwestern Mutual (NM) is in the early stages of a bold, enterprise-wide transformation, rewiring how we operate, anchored in our multi‑year vision. We are looking for a Senior Director to join the newly formed Acceleration Office, at the center of this work.
The Acceleration Office is a dedicated team within the Enterprise Enablement and Technology function, with a mandate to drive transformation across NM. This high‑visibility, fast‑paced work requires strategic thinking, agility, and seamless execution. You will operate at two levels: Assist in building the longer-term transformation vision with cross-functional stakeholders and being directly embedded as a problem solver, working alongside teams that are already operating in this new model. This is a hands-on role requiring deep judgment, influence, and the ability to drive outcomes.
What you'll do

• Drive execution: Lead enterprise-wide transformation workstreams from strategy through execution; ensuring accountability by translating strategic objectives into clear milestones and measure progress against milestones. Unblock dependencies and resolve issues quickly.

• Help define the new way of working: Identify operating model opportunities and elevate to leadership for further definition

• Scale Value Delivery: Establish execution rigor through monitoring key program OKRs and KPIs and sequencing work to deliver the most value to NM quickly.

• Orchestrate parts of the transformational roadmap: orchestrate decision forums and meeting cadences that enable, high‑quality decisions and clear ownership.

• Shape the strategic narrative: Develop and deliver executive-level communications, progress reports, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, translating complexity into clarity.

• Problem Solver: Identify and eliminate systemic barriers, process bottlenecks, and organization friction that impede teams operating within the new model

• Credibility: Build credibility and influence across the enterprise to operate as a trusted advisor and deliver results through influence

What you'll bring

• 10+ years in management consulting (MBB or Big 4) with experience with operating model transformation efforts strongly preferred.

• Blended strategy‑and‑execution skill set; experience in portfolio/project management, strategic/operational planning, technology modernization, and/or leading complex, enterprise‑wide initiatives.

• Bias towards action, defaulting to making things happen efficiently and effectively

• Comfort operating in a highly ambiguous environment where the playbook does not yet exist, and you may need to even write it yourself.

• Strong cross‑functional stakeholder management and facilitation across business and technology.

• Clear, concise communicator; strong storyteller; confident building and presenting C‑suite materials.

• Ability to drive change, including communications and coaching on new ways of working.

• Data‑driven approach to tracking and managing programs via RAID/decision logs and dependency management; experience building dashboards and reporting on OKRs/KPIs and targets.

• Highly independent self‑starter; thrives in high‑demand, high‑visibility settings; moves fast with quality under tight deadlines while maintaining high integrity and discretion.

• Comfort with ambiguity and leading change; strong business acumen; ability to raise the bar and bring new thinking.

#LI-Hybrid
Compensation Range:
Pay Range - Start:
$144,000.00
Pay Range - End:
$216,000.00
Geographic Specific Pay Structure:
Structure 110:
Structure 115:
We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.
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Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.
Skills
KPIs & Metrics (NM) - Expert, Risk Management (NM) - Expert, Business Acumen (NM) - Expert, Program Management (NM) - Expert, Program Governance (NM) - Expert, Customer Centricity (NM) - Expert, Prioritization (NM) - Expert, Accountability (NM) - Advanced, Change Adaptability (NM) - Expert, Analytical Thinking (NM) - Expert, Emotional Intelligence (NM) - Expert, Process Mindset (NM) - Expert, Business Influence (NM) - Advanced, Stakeholder Relationship (NM) - Expert, Adaptive Communication (NM) - Expert, Consulting (NM) - Expert
FIND YOUR FUTURE
We're excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and our commitment to a culture of belonging.

• Flexible work schedules
• Concierge service
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee resource groups